Humminbird Helix 5 G2 GPS/DI Install

[Billy Duncan]

Got the Humminbird Helix 5 mounted today. I opted for the RAM mount on the left side of the helm, but not in the isle. This was the most practical place to install it on my 2010 242 LS. Still have to fasten the transducer cable to the transom and it’s all done! Turned out great! The transducer cable follows the steering cables from the helm, down through the fuel compartment, into the engine compartment. It dives into the scupper hose and comes out at the transom at the scupper port.

 

[subysti]

I'm guessing this isn't a sidescan unit? I've had a coupe birds and currently upgrading my 698ci sidescan to a solix unit but get pissed when I have to buy a 2nd $350 transducer and Y cable.

 

[Billy Duncan]

I'm guessing this isn't a sidescan unit? I've had a coupe birds and currently upgrading my 698ci sidescan to a solix unit but get pissed when I have to buy a 2nd $350 transducer and Y cable.

Yes, the SI (side imaging) model has a different transducer all together. However, I believe Humminbird makes an all-in-one transducer you can purchase separately. Its pricey. I just stuck with the DI (Down Imaging) for my boat. I really didn't see the need for the SI unless you are fishing a lot. But its the same way with Lowrance models as well. If you upgrade you might as well get the whole set up vs. trying to save money and use you current set up and just upgrade the HU. Its bullshit I agree.

 

[Beachbummer]

Can you get some pictures with the cover off when you have a chance? It looks quite nice.

 

[Billy Duncan]

Can you get some pictures with the cover off when you have a chance? It looks quite nice.

I will take some this evening and post them. I don't know why I didn't take a pic with the cover off in the first place...lol

 

[subysti]

@Billy Duncan I do have the all in one transducers but the problem is the center keel blocks the sidescan so I need to use 2 transducers to see both sides.

 

[Billy Duncan]

@Billy Duncan I do have the all in one transducers but the problem is the center keel blocks the sidescan so I need to use 2 transducers to see both sides.

I gotcha now... I didn't think about the center keel on the newer boats. But for $350, that a lot of $$$ for another transducer and a Y cable... I only paid $400 for my HELIX 5 DI from BPS and it came with the Navionics card for all US and Canada including coastal maps and the Bahamas... Hell of a deal I thought... Unless you are bound and determined to have the SI, might be an option for you.

 

[Billy Duncan]

I will get some pics with the cover off this weekend. Haven't had a chance to get to it and get the cover back off but I will get it this weekend for sure.

 

[Devious]

So the si is better then the dl ?... im new to this all i just got a jet boat and want it for fishing and all can someone advise me on what i should get

 

[Billy Duncan]

So the si is better then the dl ?... im new to this all i just got a jet boat and want it for fishing and all can someone advise me on what i should get

the DI is no better than the SI, visa versa. It really depends on what you want. DI (down imaging) will give you a nice 3D image of the bottom and structure directly below the boat. If you are bottom fishing deep lakes or coastal areas the DI would probably work better for you. The SI (side imaging) will allow you to see the bottom and structure up to 100ft out from each side of the boat. So if your bass fishing or shallow fishing coastal areas the SI may work better for you. It really just depends on what you prefer. I would go to you local BPS, Cabela's, Dicks sporting goods, Acadamy Sports, etc, and see what you prefer first hand. Both the DI and SI offer a plethora of options. I'm not sure what your Keel looks like on the Seadoo's, but like @subysti said, if you have a center keel you will probably need two separate transducers and a Y cable to have side imaging for both sides of the boat.

 

[subysti]

Just to be clear. The sidescan units also do down imaging. The sidescan unit do everything but there is I big jump in price. I use mine in the ocean usually 60-100' of water. The sidescan is great for locating structure and rock piles that you may not see otherwise. The sidescan at 455kHz can go up to 400' to each side and with MEGA imaging can go up to 125' each side. I will use to sidescan to locate items of interest and then mark them as waypoints.

 

[Billy Duncan]

Just to be clear. The sidescan units also do down imaging. The sidescan unit do everything but there is I big jump in price. I use mine in the ocean usually 60-100' of water. The sidescan is great for locating structure and rock piles that you may not see otherwise. The sidescan at 455kHz can go up to 400' to each side and with MEGA imaging can go up to 125' each side. I will use to sidescan to locate items of interest and then mark them as waypoints.

^^^ What @subysti Said...^^^

 

[Billy Duncan]

Can you get some pictures with the cover off when you have a chance? It looks quite nice.

Cover off.....

 

[Beachbummer]

Nice, that looks very well placed.

Thanks for the pictures.

 

[tonyGinFL]

Just bought the Humminbird HELIX-5 SI (410230-1) and Ram mount as well, it arrives today as I write this reply.

This post made me realize that the keel may/will in fact interrupt the side scan (SI). Bummer.

Fishing wasn’t my primary reason for getting this unit, it was actually navigation, everything else in the feature set (for me) is a future bonus.

Never considered mounting on the left side, I like it. My initial plan was to mount in the right corner of the console just above the throttle levers (there’s a flat space for the Ram surface mount).

Nice job!